Honoring the Life and Legacy of Jeanne Osborn: Former President of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce (2002-2011)

As the current President of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact Jeanne had not only on our organization but on my own professional journey.

In true Lowell fashion, my connection with Jeanne had deep roots. She went to school with my parents and I went to school with her son Chris, creating that quintessential small-city web of relationships that would later blossom into a meaningful professional connection and friendship.

When I started my job as Marketing Director at M/A-COM Federal Credit Union (now Mills 42) at the ripe age of 24, I attended my first Chamber event feeling like a newcomer in a sea of established professionals. I approached Jeanne tentatively, saying, “Hi Mrs. Osborn, do you remember me?” She immediately laughed, told me to call her Jeanne and welcomed me with open arms. That moment perfectly encapsulated who Jeanne was – funny, approachable and genuinely invested in making connections with people at all stages of their careers.

Over the course of the next four years, I became increasingly involved with the Chamber and Jeanne evolved from being a community leader I admired to a mentor and friend. Together, we hosted Chamber Chat on WCAP, bringing business discussions to our wider community. Under her guidance, I joined Chamber committees, took over managing the Chamber’s social media presence and eventually became co-chair of the board alongside Steve Jones – another amazing person we lost too soon.

What made Jeanne exceptional wasn’t just her business acumen or organizational skills, though she had both in abundance. It was her ability to see potential in others and actively help them develop it. She didn’t just run the Chamber… she cultivated future leaders by creating opportunities for growth and encouraging us to step beyond our comfort zones.

I remember telling my mother someday I’d love to have Jeanne’s job, but I was certain that wouldn’t happen for many years. To my surprise, Jeanne asked Steve Jones and I to meet her at the Coffee Mill the following week where she shared the news that she was resigning to start a new position. When Jeanne left the Chamber after nine remarkable years of leadership, I stepped off the board to apply for the position. Her influence continued to shape my path, and I was deeply honored when I was named the Chamber’s new President in June 2011. In many ways, I felt I was carrying forward the torch she had so capably held.

Even after her official tenure as President ended, Jeanne remained an active and beloved figure in the Lowell community. She joined the Chamber board a few years later, further signifying her dedication and love for the GLCC and the community. This continued involvement spoke volumes about her genuine commitment to the organization she helped strengthen before eventually retiring and moving to Florida. To no surprise, she also got involved in her Florida community, sitting on boards and committees and bringing that same spirit of service to her new home.

As I reflect on Jeanne’s legacy today, I’m struck by how many careers she touched and how many of us learned to lead with both competence and compassion because of her example. The Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce as it exists today stands as a testament to her vision of what a business community can and should be.

I will forever be thankful for Jeanne and all that she did to help me as a young professional. Her belief in me gave me confidence, her mentorship provided me with direction and her friendship enriched my life immeasurably.

In this difficult moment, we not only mourn the loss of an exceptional leader but celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire our community for generations to come.